Manchester United Transfer News: Jose Mourinho Squad Assessment, Latest Rumours

Jose Mourinho is reportedly working in training to try to improve Manchester United's struggling players before making a decision on their future. 

That's according to the Guardian's Jamie Jackson, who reported the manager has had time to assess his squad and identified those he believes aren't up to the required standard. However, before deciding to move them on or not, he is putting in "extra work on the training ground" to coax improvement from them.

Jackson added that Memphis Depay could be set for a loan move in January, while Luke Shaw and Chris Smalling's futures are the subject of speculation following Mourinho's criticism of them for making themselves unavailable to play in Sunday's 3-1 win over Swansea City.

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The Dutchman has played for just 126 minutes this season having seemingly failed to convince the Special One. Depay arrived last summer with a big reputation after bagging 28 goals in the season prior to his arrival, but an underwhelming first year under Louis van Gaal has continued under Mourinho.

As for Shaw and Smalling, it appears the pair drew the 53-year-old's ire after he had "impressed on his players the requirement to show resolve following poor results."

Football writer Liam Canning and TYT Sports' Pilib de Brun backed Mourinho's stance:

United legend Gary Neville gave his insight, per Sky Sports News HQ:

The duo had previously seemed secure in their places in the team.

While Shaw is yet to rediscover his best form following a broken leg last year—which would make his caution over playing "through the pain barrier" understandable—he is United's best left-back, while Chris Smalling comprises half of the Red Devils' best centre-back pairing with Eric Bailly.

Allowing them to leave at this stage would be a surprise, but Mourinho's demands of unwavering commitment and dedication could put them in danger—they too will need to prove themselves on the training ground over the international break ahead of United's clash with Arsenal on November 19.

Affording those who've failed to impress the opportunity to prove themselves can only benefit United—if they're able to step up, they'll help the team improve as a whole, and if not, it will make clear the need to replace them and which areas of the need strengthening.

For a number of United players—perhaps including Shaw, Smalling and Depay—the coming weeks and months could decide their futures at the club.